Radio Cracker Ballymena
We will be broadcasting 24 hours a day from Thursday 27th November until Wednesday 24th December 2025.
We have a full schedule for our broadcast, complete with a wide variety of music programs hosted by our volunteer presenters, some veteran and some new to the scene! View the 2025 Radio Cracker program schedule.
Each weekday, a local school choir will be performing in the Tower centre centre and singing on the School Spot radio show. Details on school spots.
Guest speakers provide a Thought For The Day section each day. Thought for the Day section.
The money raised over the last 30+ years have improved the life and wellbeing for thousands of people by the projects we have supported. Read about how we have helped.
There are many ways you can donate to support Radio Cracker Ballymena
Donate with PayPal Donate with JustGivingYou can donate in our shop by card, cash or cheque.
Radio Cracker Shop
We have our shop at Unit 58 Tower Center on Wellington Street (the old Shoezone store)
Opening hours are 9.30am to 2pm Monday to Friday
We have loads of goodies in our shop.
We would like to thank the Tower Centre for extending our lease.
Connect with the shop on Instagram
Join us
If you would like to become a Radio Cracker member and volunteer in our shop, or help with our next radio broadcast, please contact us!
2025 Radio Cracker Program
This is the program of shows that broadcast in 2025
You can get one of our program flyers from the Radio Cracker shop and selected local stores.
Or just click the images below to view the flyer and details of school choirs, show times, sponsors, projects and more...
2024 Supported Projects
Here are the details of the projects your donations will be supporting this year (click image to enlarge)
We hope, with your support and generosity, that we will be able to fully fund them all.
These projects will bring hope and a better future to many in Cambodia, India, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique and Zambia,
covering educational needs, medical and spiritual support, help for the disabled and providing for street children.
Here's a brief summary -
- The Francina Foundation - bunk beds, mattresses and bedding for a Children's Home, also sewing machines and computers for skills training
- Mission Africa - a solar converter, wash hand basins and mattresses for a hospital
- Teach Beyond - training for 50 much-needed primary school teachers in the Teach Beyond programme
- Care For Cambodia - desks and chairs for multi-purpose use in schools and also for youth group meetings, Bible studies, etc
- E3 Initiative - building a safe space to help street children access the material and spiritual support they need
- Somos Nos - wheelchairs for disabled children in Mozambique
Radio Cracker History
We've been broadcasting in Ballymena every Christmas since 1992, and we have raised over £1,800,000 thanks to our volunteers and you, our listeners and supporters.
Radio Cracker is Ballymena's only charity radio station
Our annual Christmas 1 month radio broadcast started in 1992, ran by volunteers raising money for charitable Worldwide projects to benefit people and communities who do not enjoy the same standard of life as we do.
Radio Cracker Ballymena now incorporates a shop, creation of hand crafted items and charity events to our fundraising. All ran by volunteers, All money going to charitable projects.
Our longevity relies on the support of our volunteers and the generosity of businesses and people in the Ballymean area and beyond. We have raised over £1,800,00 since 1992.
Raised for Charity Projects
Hours on FM Radio
Worldwide projects supported
Upcoming Events, eveyone is welcome
Country Concert
Tuesday 2nd December, 8pm at Leighinmohr House Hotel, Ballymena
You can pay at the door (£10), or you can reserve your tickets now (only £10 ea) by contacting Sammy McAuley on 07808 881520
Artists this year include our own Billy McFarland, also Andrew McMurdie, Niamh McGlinchey, Alan McCullough and Tracey McAuley. Backing by Dave Lee Country and the compere will be Radio Cracker's own Craig Whyte.
Carol Service
Sunday 14th December 7pm, First Ballymena Church
Carols led by Cambridge House Grammar School, featuring Clough and The Diamond Primary Schools